Black Rock is a naturally occuring landmark in Washington County, Maryland. The rock belongs to the Chilhowee Group's Harpers Formation, which in this area can be seen as a collection of loose sandstone boulders and shale that have come to rest on the west side of South Mountain. The name "Black Rock" may be considered misleading, as the rocks do not typically appear so on a clear day, but instead can be seen as a pale brown or tan against the surrounding forest.
Journeying to Black Rock is a popular recreational hike for locals and travelers, alike; from an approximate elevation of 1800', the location offers an excellent view of the Hagerstown Valley. The Rock can be reached by hiking north along the Appalacian Trail (which primarily follows along the ridge line of the mountain for its duration in Maryland) from a parking area along U.S. Route 40 just east of the county line. From the lot, it is about 3.2 miles to the overlook. Another route can be taken along trails maintained by the Appalacian Sportsman's Association; these trails start at the western base of the mountain and rise at a steep grade over terrain that is often rocky.
Many objects and places in Washington County take their name from this prominent landmark, including the Black Rock Regional Golf Course, the Black Rock Run, and Black Rock Estates.